Have you ever noticed that when plants produce, they simultaneously produce a gift that is the food of others and the birth of the next generation of their species? Like these seeds, there is an infinite abundance in God’s love and God’s gifts to us that is incomprehensible. God has given us forgiveness and love before we even knew that we needed it. It is there for us, to catch us, when we fall. It is there for us to fill the emptiness when we thought we could do it alone. It is there for us when our wounds won’t heal on their own.

During this season of Advent, let us reflect that God took the Word and made it flesh so that we could see and experience God’s love. As we wait quietly this season in anticipation of the birth of baby Jesus, let us consider the love God shares that is ever-present. If we are to be children of God, then we should nourish our souls on the love that helps us, feeds us, heals us, and forgives us.

Love is such a big topic, and yet it is so small. In every moment of every day, God’s love is present. In every object and every act, God’s love for us is waiting. God’s love was waiting for us before the birth of Jesus. It was present and welcoming us in Jesus. It was in the shadow of the cross waiting for us. It waits for us to follow the path made straight and to follow the example that we have been given in Jesus. It is ever-present and in everything, every person, and every action. It always has been and always will be. God loves us whether we are sinning, confessing, or loving others.

So, be loved. And be loving. Like the seeds that give life through nourishing others and give birth to new plants, we can both be loved into new life and give love to nourish others at the same time. Let us all be amazed and awed at just how powerful this is!

God in heaven, on earth, and in our hearts, may we be the seeds that grow to nourish others. May we be both born again in your spirit and love while also giving life, love, and nourishment to others so that they may live in your spirit and love, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

One of my favorite Christian leaders always starts his devotions by reminding his listeners to pay attention to what one word jumps out for them when reading scripture. I must have read this passage hundreds of times, and yet, this day, the word “saw” jumped out.

When they saw the star! They must have been searching for a while. Earlier in this chapter, we learn that they had asked King Herod, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. So they had already seen the star, but it seems they were actively seeking it and where it would lead them. When they saw the star, they could hardly contain themselves. They were filled with joy.

This story, revisited, reminds me that joy is always there, though we must be paying attention. I am sure that you have experienced joy. It is actually all around us every day if we are not distracted by the little things. Let’s think of some examples of joyous moments: perhaps milestones in our lives such as graduations, birthday celebrations, reaching a goal; for a child Christmas morning or birthdays might bring joy, weddings and family gatherings can bring us joy, The question for me in light of the word “saw” is “were we looking, anticipating these events or were we just expecting a dose of happiness?

Recently, I have witnessed real joy, sheer joy, pure love, and delight. Someone very close to me has become a grandmother for the very first time. She chooses happiness and a positive attitude the majority of the time, though life has not always been easy. She amazes me as she seeks joy in the everyday.

Recently, I saw a video of this new grandmother with her grandson. The pure joy of their interaction touched me beyond measure. She was looking straight into the eyes of her grandson and leaning in to laugh, giggle, and give him a kiss. Much like a game of peek a boo, she was playing with him. He was giggling. Such a real treasure to hear that deep, infectious laugh from both of them. They saw each other, they saw love, and I, as the observer, also saw that joy! I wasn’t expecting it, but I was blessed to see that beautiful connection and the joy those two found in their hearts. Sheer joy!

They could hardly contain themselves. The reality is, I was gifted to witness this moment and was reminded that I “saw” this joy because I was searching for joy for this new grandmother. Filled with joy, I know I am blessed and find myself seeking joy-filled moments in the ordinary much more often. Let us seek joy in the ordinary and never overlook the “wonders of His love.”

Loving God, you surround us with joy every day. Help us to search and see joy in our daily lives. In this season, help us to focus on the wonders of your love and sing out “Joy to the world!” Lord, we know you are the real source of all our joy, and we ask that you guide us as we share and radiate joy to others. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread...

This is the beginning of Mary’s response to something told to her by her cousin Elizabeth. What makes Mary’s response here so remarkable is what comes just before it. When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s message, he asked, “How can I be sure of this?” A reasonable question on the surface, but one rooted in doubt. Mary didn’t ask for proof. She asked how God would do it, not whether God could.

And then something else happened. Before Mary could say a word to Elizabeth, Elizabeth already knew. She greeted Mary not with suspicion or side glances, but with joy: “Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

That’s a stunning reversal of what Mary might have expected. In a situation that could have cost her everything—her reputation, her safety, even her life—God provided confirmation not through angelic fireworks, but through the quiet conviction of another believer.

I think of the times I’ve been misunderstood, those moments when I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong but people assumed otherwise. My instinct has been to defend myself, argue my case, and prove the truth. Mary didn’t do that. She didn’t scramble to manage optics or fight for her reputation. She centered herself in the God who already knew the truth.

Her song flows out of that trust.

She rejoices not because her situation is safe or simple—it isn’t—but because she believes the One who made the promise will keep it.

Maybe you’re in a season where someone has misread your motives or judged you unfairly. Mary reminds us that our security isn’t in convincing people. It’s in the God who sees clearly, speaks through unexpected voices, and confirms His work in ways we couldn’t orchestrate if we tried.

Father, when doubt rises in others, or in ourselves, anchor us in Your faithfulness. Teach us to trust Your promises even when circumstances feel uncertain. Give us Mary’s steadiness, her willingness to believe You first, and her freedom from needing to control how others see her.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.